new design features involve the inclu- sion of brackets, far-side supports, cable clamps, grounding pigtails, mud rings, and even the device premounted into the box—“all measures that can help eliminate steps in the installation process as well as optimize inventory management on the jobsite,” he said. “If the contractor only has to keep one SKU on the job or in inventory and has everything needed put together in one electrical box, he won’t be wasting time chasing down certain compo- nents on the jobsite or waiting for a delivery and will be more productive.” “We’ve seen an influx of innovative new ideas in boxes, especially when it comes to promoting labor savings, because finding ways to bring more value to electrical installers and help them get their jobs done quickly, effi- ciently, and safely is key,” said Hyder, who noted that such recent design en- hancements as improved flanges and latches, larger doors and concealed hinges, bonding/ground provisions, and removable/replaceable doors have all improved electrical box per- formance, aesthetics, and ease of use. At the same time, he added, “we’ve also seen a need for extra cubic capac- ity and wiring space within electrical boxes. Sizing requirements are transi- tioning in some jobs from 4˝ or 411⁄
16˝ square to 5˝ and 6˝, driven primarily by increased demand for data and tele- communication cable installations.” Stetten recommends that distribu- tors become knowledgeable about the newest products on the market so that they can educate contractors on how those products can help them maxi- mize profits through both labor and cost savings. “Distributors will also have the opportunity to consolidate certain SKUs as full and partially pre- assembled boxes become more and more popular, aiding in their own inventory management,” he said. Hyder advises distributors to rec- ognize the important role boxes play and the savings that a wise investment in this component can generate. “Because electrical boxes represent a large product footprint on all job- sites and are so critical to a building’s electrical infrastructure, it’s important to understand the options and bene- fits each kind can provide to ensure that they best serve the contractor’s needs,” Hyder said. “A small savings in labor on one box can multiply fast over the course of an entire project.” ; Bloom is a freelance writer and consul- tant who has spent 25 years covering the lighting and electrical products industry. She can be reached at susan.bloom.chester gmail.com.
www.tEDmag.com May 17 • the ELEC TRICAL DISTRIBUTOR 9112-MONTH DOLLAR SHARE ENDING DECEMBER 2016BOXES SHARE CHANGE BY MATERIAL TYPE; 12-MONTH DOLLAR SHARE ENDING DECEMBER 2016 VS. ONE YEAR AGOMetallic ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 0%Polyvinyl chloride/PVC ............................................................................................................................................................................... .5%Aluminum .................................................................................................................................................................................................... -.3%Plastic ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... .1%Polycarbonate ............................................................................................................................................................................................. -.1%Fiberglass...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 0%N/A................................................................................................................................................................................................................ -.2%All other* ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... -.1%0%10%60%*Includes phenolic, cast iron, zinc, steel, pre-fab, noryl, and unknown. Epicor’s Industry Data Analytics tracking information is based on sales from a representative sample of full-line electricaldistributors located throughout the United States. For more information, call 512-278-5800, email vista@epicor.com, or visit epicor.com/Products/Pages/Vista-Information-Services.aspx.Metallic Polyvinylchloride/PVC Aluminum Plastic Polycarbonate Fiberglass N/A llother*30%50%20%
4.6% 3.3% 2.6% 3.7% 4.4%
9.1%
16.4%
55.8%40%